We are excited for you to read about the work VYCC crews completed in 2024, and impact they have throughout Vermont. Thank you for your support in creating opportunities for young people to take action, gain skills, and connect with the natural world.
This fall, when we asked Corps Members what they are hopeful about, they had a lot to say. The overarching message we heard from young people on our conservation teams was refreshingly positive: despite the challenges around us, we can make a difference.
“I feel hopeful being outdoors. Places of great natural beauty are still here. Sometimes we can lose sight of that because of what’s happening in the world. Especially in fall, seeing the seasonal cycle and knowing these lands will be vital and renewed next spring makes me hopeful.
“When I applied to VYCC what motivated me was community. Meeting people who are energized to make a life that is meaningful and is helpful to others also gives me hope.”
– Sophia Lawrence
“VYCC and other corps around the U.S. are making a huge difference. I feel hopeful that this work continues to better the parks and public lands. It’s nice working at a place like Groton State Park where I camped as a kid. Where we live is so beautiful.”
– Isaac Kennedy
At the end of their season, conservation crews celebrated completing projects that will have long-term impacts: increasing biodiversity in forests, increasing flood resilience, reducing erosion, improving water quality—and instilling hope among Corps Members.
“My crew’s work has been really impactful. We’re helping create conditions that support the return of old growth forests. We’ve been leaving messier forests, which I’ve learned is actually more beneficial. I have learned that removing the invasives helps with bird migration. It has a cascading effect. It’s nice knowing that this work will benefit future generations. I feel good about what I do for work for once.”
– Sam McIntire
“Our crew is making a difference. Having done a lot of hiking since the Vermont floods, I can see how much erosion has occurred on trails statewide. We built puncheon at Mount Ascutney on a very wet section of trail. Our project partner explained that the puncheon would prevent the trail from becoming a mud pit and would, over time, help it re-naturalize with native mosses and lichens.”
– Sophia Lawrence
“Nature needs our support. I’ve been looking for ways to help steward the environment. I’ve known that I wanted to go down a conservation or forestry route; doing [VYCC] has affirmed that this is what I want my career to be.”
– Isaac Kennedy
Program participants gained credentials, earned college credits, and connected with employers. Several Members secured employment in Vermont at the end of their terms.
“The VYCC experience has had a lot of variety, and I’m learning so many new skills. I’m not afraid of chainsaws anymore! I used to be; now I’m an effective sawyer. Doing VYCC has changed my future plans considerably. I didn’t have a concept of how much saw work would resonate with me. Now I feel like I can do something with my life.
“I’ve learned a lot the past few months. I feel like I’m part of something.”
When it comes to our Health Care Share program, which connects Vermont families with weekly deliveries of VYCC-grown produce via a prescription from their health care provider, we’ve heard plenty of anecdotal stories about how much it impacts both the people who receive the food and those who grow it. But we wanted to understand a bit more.
With the help of SerVermont, we teamed up with Green Mountain Evaluation to take a deeper dive into the HCS program processes and outcomes by talking to participants, program partners, and Corps Members to learn more about how this program impacts everyone involved. The result: a concise look at this program’s impact, including new insights, positive feedback, and affirmation that this important work is core to the VYCC mission.
At VYCC, the farming and conservation projects young people undertake not only offer valuable training and skills—they are also acts of service that benefit the communities we work within.
That’s why since 1995, VYCC has been an AmeriCorps service site. We partner with the state AmeriCorps office, SerVermont, and the federal Corporation for National and Community Service to provide paid service positions in Vermont. These positions are for a specific number of service hours, from 300 hours (roughly 4 weeks) to 1,700 hours (one year).
During their time with VYCC, AmeriCorps Members receive a stipend and can earn a Segal Education Award upon completion of service, which can be used to pay for professional development, education, and student loan repayment.
Possibilities for using the Award to further training and education include:
Attending a School of National Service: Select schools offer scholarships or matching funds, application fee waivers, and other benefits for AmeriCorps alums
Certifications such as scuba diving, sign-language, yoga teacher
Opportunities Abroad: Global Service Corps, schools overseas (under Title IV)
And some AmeriCorps Members choose to continue their careers with VYCC!
“I chose to become a VYCC Crew Leader after completing the maximum number of terms of service through AmeriCorps. I used to think that becoming an adult meant exploring independence and autonomy. Through years of service experiences, my question has changed to ‘What kind of impact can I have, and what can we accomplish together?’ Becoming an invested community member allowed me to expand my vision of myself, what I am capable of, and the ways I can contribute. I chose to become a VYCC Crew Leader to connect with young individuals who have taken a chance. To create a safe space for them to explore their own potential and capabilities – to discover what they could accomplish if they allow themselves to try.”
– Allissa Vigil, 2023 Conservation Crew Leader
Requirements
To participate in AmeriCorps, Members must be at least 17 years old; high school graduates or GED recipients (or working towards this goal); and U.S. Citizens, U.S. Nationals or Lawful Permanent Residents of the United States.
See the Results
As part of their service, VYCC AmeriCorps members work on a variety of food and farming projects on the VYCC campus and a wide range of conservation projects around the state. Take a look at some of their featured projects.
Each new project site for a conservation crew is an opportunity to learn new skills. Here are recent examples of training delivered by VYCC staff on the first day at a new project site:
Introduction to Trail Maintenance
In Grout Pond with August Tallmadge: Introduction to trail maintenance; how to cut limbs in a way that promotes tree health. The crew got right to work clearing the trail corridor and clearing drains.
How to use a rigging system to fell hazard trees
At Spruce Peak in Plainfield with Jenn Krebs: How to use a rigging system to fell hazard trees. By the end of the day everyone had operated a griphoist. Tuesday, the crew started using the griphoist to move stones for their trail project.
Members of this crew share that they “love the griphoist. It makes it so much easier to get the rock placed the way that you want.”
They appreciate how the right tool can transform a person’s ability to complete a project that seems impossible: “Learning how to use a grip hoist and seeing it work, now I believe that people actually did build the pyramids!”
Scaffolding and fall arrest systems
At Elmore State Park with Stephen Cohen and Leona Spittka: Scaffolding and fall arrest systems for a woodshed roofing project. By the end of the day, systems were set up and the crew was stripping the roof.
Water safety and invasive species protocol
At VYCC with Kristen Balschunat: Water safety and water chestnut protocol training included boat safety, T-rescue techniques, how to fit a life jacket, how to identify water chestnut, and cyanobacteria awareness. Two crews completed this training, then headed out to their respective water chestnut removal sites.
Building Beyond Skills
At their core, training sessions impart how-to knowledge. But in the process of practicing new practical skills, crew members often tell us about other life skills they learn along the way. Problem-solving, communication, trusting others, time management, delegation, and managing morale are just some of the “durable” skills that come with learning how to use a chainsaw or transplant seedlings.
Training is also an opportunity for crew members to challenge themselves and gain confidence. That’s the case for one crew member who learned how to drive a tractor under the tutelage of Jake Kornfeld, Senior Farm Production Manager.
“Jake is an exceptional teacher, being patient, well-spoken, and consistent. This has shown up for me in becoming a tractor operator. I had a lot of fear from prior experiences which Jake has helped to remedy, giving me a lot of confidence back. This shows up for leaders and members in so many ways, and when you compound that over multiple seasons this effect is incredibly powerful. Jake has had a hand in giving so many people tangible life skills and confidence in things they may not have even known existed prior to their time at VYCC. Thank you for all your efforts, Jake!”
Learn more about the staff members who deliver these trainings on our team page.
To read more about our crews’ experiences with leadership and skill development, check out our 2023 Gratitude Report.
Enjoy a farm tour, lawn games and appetizers; followed by a buffet dinner and dessert. This farm-to-plate event will feature food grown by young people, and raises funds for the Health Care Share.
Families are welcome at this community-centered meal.
The Farm at VYCC is powered and led by youth and young adults participating in paid service experiences. They grow organic vegetables, eggs, and chicken; and deliver weekly shares to over 400 families managing food insecurity and/or diet related illness. The program is primarily funded by participating medical center partners, AmeriCorps, and a community of generous supporters and sponsors.
Please register here:
/ Naomi Galimidi
A newly released report from the Farm to Plate Network celebrates the unique role CSAs play at the intersection of local food and health in Vermont. The “2023 Data Report: Farm to Plate CSA & Healthcare Community of Practice” details the impact of five Healthcare CSA programs. It also demonstrates how individual programs fit into a broader network.
VYCC’s Health Care Share project is an integral part of this network and this report. The Health Care Share connects Vermonters with fresh, local food through their health care provider.
VYCC partners with 11 medical centers to identify and enroll patients experiencing food insecurity and/or diet-related illness. Each week, households pick up a hearty box full of vegetables, at their doctor’s office. Some weeks include meat, eggs, and local products like cheese and flour. The program is funded by medical centers, farm stand sales, sponsoring businesses, and generous community support.
VYCC’s Health Care Share is the largest prescription vegetable program in Vermont. Among five programs, VYCC reaches more than half of all households served, operating in five of the eight counties served.
According to the Farm to Plate Network report:
74% of participants screened positive for food insecurity.
Cardiovascular risk factors were cited as the top conditions for program referral.
Family members served by the programs ranged in age from 1 to 94.
Participants of all five programs reported increased fruit and vegetable consumption.
The Health Care Share provides paid jobs and hands-on training for young people interested in contributing directly to Vermont’s agricultural future and sustainable food system.
As part of VYCC’s Food & Farm Program, crews of young people grow organically certified vegetables and raise chickens for meat and eggs. They learn how to care for soil, crops, and animals; use a variety of tools and farming techniques; harvest and prepare produce; and pack and deliver share boxes. The majority of the food grown at VYCC is distributed to the community though Health Care Shares, with surplus available for sale to the public at the farm stand on the VYCC campus.
This year’s Health Care Shares began June 20 and go out every Thursday to 450 Vermont households in Richmond, Barre, Berlin, Burlington, Montpelier, Newport, Northfield, Saint Johnsbury, Waterbury, and White River Junction, plus Littleton, NH.
Check out the full 2023 Data Report on Farm to Plate CSA and Healthcare Community of Practice:
If you’d like to get a closer look at the Farm at VYCC and taste some of our homegrown produce yourself, join us at an upcoming event at the farm! Space is limited—register soon!
2024 marks VYCC’s 20th year fielding youth crews in Marsh Billings Rockefeller National Historical Park
Marsh Billings Rockefeller National Historical Park has partnered with Vermont Youth Conservation Corps since 2004 to provide paid service experiences for teens and young adults.
Every summer, a crew of teens takes on critical maintenance and improvement projects in the park. These youth are enrolled in VYCC’s Conservation Program. They work weekdays during school’s summer break with mentorship and support from VYCC Crew Leaders and staff. No skills or experience are required to join the crew.
Crew Members become skilled at trail maintenance, tree care, forest management, and/or building and repairing fences. They learn about conservation; for example, identifying invasive species and understanding the harm these plants cause. They get to know park staff and get to understand the inner workings of a national park.
On Tuesday, July 16, 2024, community members from Woodstock and beyond are invited to join Breck Knauft, Executive Director of VYCC, for a discussion on service.
Breck will open up a conversation about Vermont’s workforce and higher education challenges: How can Vermont retain and attract young people? In a time of social and political division, how can our communities support youth as they transition to adulthood? How can we help the next generation of leaders prepare for civic life and careers?
Join him to hear stories about young people working and learning together. Hear examples of paid service bringing people together and creating career pathways.
Learn about VYCC’s 20 years of work in Woodstock, and how Woodstock’s VYCC crews are part of a growing national service movement: What does the Woodstock crew have in common with crews working across the country, and in what ways are VYCC crews unique?
Event: A Stronger Vermont Through Service
What: Presentation by VYCC Executive Director Breck Knauft When: Tuesday, July 16, 6:00 – 7:30 PM Where: Mezzanine of the Norman Williams Public Library, 10 The Green, Woodstock, VT Cost: Free and open to the public
This event is co-hosted by VYCC and the Norman Williams Public Library.
/ Naomi Galimidi
Join us for Open Farm Week!
Thursday, August 8, 2024 – 1:00 – 3:00 PM
This annual event, organized by DigInVT.com, has been facilitating behind-the-scenes tours of Vermont farms for 10 years.
On Thursday, August 8, the public is invited to come experience the Farm at Vermont Youth Conservation Corps.
The Farm at VYCC is powered and led by youth and young adults participating in paid service experiences. They grow organic vegetables, eggs, and chicken; and deliver weekly shares to over 400 families managing food insecurity and/or diet related illness. The program is primarily funded by participating medical center partners, AmeriCorps, and a community of generous supporters and sponsors.
Lunch & Tour our Farm & Barns
**We’ve sold out for lunch! Please register if you’d like to join us for the walking tour from 1:30-3:00.**
At 1:30, we will tour VYCC and hear from Corps Members (youth and young adults) along the way. We will check out 11 acres of organic vegetable, poultry and egg production, and hear about how the Health Care Share connects over 400 families with a CSA: Vermont’s largest prescription vegetable program!
We will enter the active construction site of the East Monitor Barn (built 1901), currently being restored.
Our farm stand will be open.
We welcome contributions. Suggested donation is $20 and any amount is appreciated.
Note – we’ve sold out for lunch. Please register below if you’d like to join us for the walking tour, beginning at 1:30 PM.
Please register here:
/ Naomi Galimidi
Summer crews start tomorrow, and we are fired up and ready for another year of transformational impact!
Crews are returning to the trails at Spruce Mountain in Plainfield for the fourth year, to Rutland’s Pine Hill Park for the sixth year, to Burton Island for the 10th year, to Grout Pond in Stratton for the 11th year, and to Marsh Billings Rockefeller National Historical Park for the 20th year.
This is also our 11th year pulling water chestnut by hand from kayaks, and our 13th year partnering with Central Vermont Medical Center on the Health Care Share project.
“If we didn’t have assistance from Vermont Youth Conservation Corps trail crews, it would be a stretch to think that we would get all the work done that we critically need to get done,” says Reuben Allen, Vermont State Parks’ Chief Operations Director.
Across the state, partners are looking to VYCC crews to help respond to the impact of severe weather and high traffic, and to improve the resiliency of our landscapes.
Those same projects are the platform for young people to gain countless skills.
“I came to VYCC having never picked up a chainsaw before,” says Petra Castaneda, a 2023 Corps Member. “I didn’t expect to learn so fast or get so comfortable so quickly. I discovered a lot of passion for conservation and chainsaw work.
“VYCC gave me more confidence. I learned my own limits and how much I can do.”
Petra and fellow 2023 Members recently listed problem-solving, trusting others, delegation, communication, managing morale, reliability, taking initiative, group facilitation, and time management among the many skills they gained at VYCC.
We know these skills will make alumni strong employees and effective citizens.
In order to create these meaningful opportunities for teens and young adults, programs must continuously evolve. Across 39 years, no two program seasons have been the same.
Here are some unique and exciting elements of this year’s programming:
Eight new kayaks will allow twice as many youth to pull invasive water chestnut from Lake Champlain and its tributaries.
Water Quality crews are planting 6,000 live willow stakes along a stream in the Otter Creek watershed. This will transform the streambank into a sponge for stormwater – one of many strategies to increase flood resilience.
Trail crews are making repairs at twelve locations impacted by last year’s flooding.
Build crews will help rebuild homes in Barre in partnership with ReSOURCE.
A Build crew will construct a new farm shed on campus, increasing the capacity of the Food & Farm Program’s food security efforts.
We continue to increase the number of households receiving a weekly share of vegetables at their doctor’s office.
The Food & Farm Program is offering transportation to and from Winooski, one of many changes to improve access to our programs. (Did you know we run the largest prescription vegetable program in the state? Among five programs in Vermont, VYCC reaches more than half of all households served, in five of the eight counties served.)
At VYCC, we’re constantly amazed by the impact Corps Members, communities, and project partners can make together, all bolstered by the generous support of donors big and small.
In this report, you will hear directly from 2023 participants about their leadership and a multitude of other skills they have developed. We are excited for you to read about the work VYCC crews completed in 2023, all of which increase resilience across Vermont. Thank you for your support in creating opportunities for young people to take action, gain skills, and connect with the natural world.
Those who know and love Vermont are likely aware of the dual forces of an aging population and shrinking workforce.
They also likely know there are several strong nonprofit organizations that work with young people.
Four organizations formed a collaborative called Serve Learn Earn in 2021 to pool expertise and resources and to align programming so young people can move between the organizations to build skills. Those organizations are Vermont Youth Conservation Corps (VYCC), ReSOURCE, Vermont Works for Women (VWW), and Audubon Vermont. Each provides training, service, and work opportunities for young adults.
When we work together, we can do more for Vermont. The collective impact of Serve Learn Earn partners is now available at servelearearn.org. As Kate Gluckman, SLE Director noted:
“The launch of our new website means we can share more widely stories of impact, as well as feature partner organizations and upcoming training opportunities. Through the site we will highlight our continued efforts to empower our young people and those sidelined from quality employment through skill building, personal development, and connection with caring instructors and ready-to-hire employers.”
VYCC, ReSOURCE, VWW, and Audubon Vermont work with over 550 Vermonters annually, providing over 4,250 weeks of training and service opportunities. In the last year, participants earned over 300 industry-recognized credentials of value, college credit, and over $2 million dollars in wages and stipends. The various programs under the SLE umbrella can kickstart careers and set young adults on the path toward well-paid jobs in the state.
Meanwhile, Vermont sees the benefit of skilled and engaged young adults with a desire to remain here. Many internship and service experiences turn into or lead to job offers.
Numerous VYCC Members have opted to remain and work in Vermont over the years. Like Claire Scherf (pictured above), who served as a Food and Farm Leader in 2023 and then joined us as a fulltime staff member. Or Petra Castaneda, who moved all the way from Arizona to join a Forest Crew last season, and is now working in early childhood education in Vermont. These are just two of the many stories that illustrate the impact of the programs within the SLE collaborative.
Visit the brand new SLE website at servelearnearn.org to learn more and stay on top of SLE news!
/ Anna Sand
What would it look like if high schoolers could earn money, build community, be outside, and make a difference all in one?
Paid service experiences at Vermont Youth Conservation Corps are designed for teens looking to make their summer meaningful and fun while earning money. Teenagers ages 15 and up can learn transferable skills and spend their summer outdoors with peers. It’s more than just a summer job!
Read on to learn about VYCC’s Day Crews. Crews are groups of 6-8 Members and 1-2 Leaders, supported by experienced professional staff. No previous experience is required.
To learn more about VYCC’s program and projects, visit the What We Do page on our website.
Conservation Positions
All Day Conservation Crews will work on a mix of trail, habitat restoration, and water quality projects (with potential for some small carpentry projects). More detailed project information will be available as the season approaches. VYCC staff and Crew Leaders will teach day Members everything they need to know to be successful.
Rutland Day Crew
Dates: June 17 – July 11
Hours:8:00 – 4:30, Monday through Thursday
Compensation: $397
Age Requirement: 15-17
Improve mountain bike trails at Pine Hill Park. Work can include shaping trails and clearing plants away. This crew will also get into some local forests to remove plants that are unhealthy for the ecosystem.
Woodstock Day Crew
Dates: July 15 – August 8
Hours: 8:00 – 4:30, Monday through Thursday
Weekly Compensation: $397
Age Requirement: 15-17
Improve Marsh Billings Rockefeller National Historical Park. Park staff works with this crew and has a variety of projects including taking care of trails. Past crews have also built fences and benches, spread mulch and stacked wood.
Burlington Day Crew
Dates: June 17 – July 11 and/or July 15 – August 8
Hours: 8:00 – 4:30, Monday through Thursday
Weekly Compensation: $397
Age Requirement: 15-17
Make Burlington’s parks healthier. This crew will work in several parks in and around Burlington. Projects include improving trails impacted by flooding, planting trees, and removing invasive species (like honeysuckle and knotweed) by hand and with loppers.
Food & Farm Positions
All Food & Farm Crews are based at our 12-acre organic farm in Richmond, Vermont.
Members work in farm fields and greenhouses to grow and harvest vegetables. Every Wednesday, we pack the harvest into Health Care Share boxes for delivery. Members take turns preparing lunch with the most recent harvest.
We’re working on a plan to provide free transportation to and from Burlington and/or Winooski. If your teen is interested but transportation is a challenge, please encourage them to apply and we will be happy to discuss options. We will also pick up Members at the Richmond Park & Ride.
AmeriCorps Day Crew Member
Dates: June 17 – August 15
Hours: 8:00 – 4:30, Monday through Thursday
Weekly Compensation: $373
Age Requirements: 17+
Session Day Crew Member
Dates: June 17 – July 11 and/or July 22 – August 15
VYCC is about more than making a difference for the environment and earning money. It’s an opportunity for youth to:
Find a sense of purpose
Learn how to work well on a team
Connect with the natural world
Persevere and overcome challenges
Be part of a supportive and inclusive community
Develop their skills toward a future career
As Cole, a 2023 Conservation Youth Crew Member, put it:
“It’s intense work but it’s very rewarding. You get to spend all day outside, working on making your local parks a better place to be and a better place for the environment. It’s been awesome. And it is hard work.”
If this all sounds like something you and your teen are excited about, bookmark our positions page and sign up for our mailing list to be the first to know when positions open.
/ Naomi Galimidi
In three months, we get to start another program season. VYCC’s 39th, to be exact.
The VYCC team is excited to hear from folks who are thinking about conservation or sustainable agriculture work for the very first time. We have paid positions for folks ages 15 and up that do not require special skills or experience.
We are also looking forward to welcoming past Members and Leaders back for another season. After all, VYCC’s programs are designed for growth. Returners can take on new challenges, and accumulate AmeriCorps Education awards and credentials.
VYCC runs a Conservation Program and Food & Farm Program. Both are environmental education programs designed for youth ages 15 and older. These Vermont programs are great for young people interested in environmental stewardship, outdoor experiences, and leadership opportunities.
Here are reflections from two people who came back for a second VYCC season in 2023:
“Last season was my first time farming ever, so I was learning a lot of basics. Since coming back, I’ve been able to take that knowledge, share it with others, lead a crew, and improve my skills even further. Coming back a second season [allowed me] to learn and grow more in my own skills and knowledge.”
“I came back to trail work after some time in outdoor education. This season, I had the absolute pleasure of taking a highline rigging course. VYCC provided it for me. It was intense but it was absolutely astounding. I got to use the highline and taught my Members how to use it on a high use, steep alpine trail. I’m really happy, now that I’ve got a lot more experience and new skills I can take into other jobs. Knowing that you can do something, and do it to the max, and do it fantastic is a really good feeling.”
We’ve just opened up positions starting in May 2024. They are alongside all positions starting in March:
These include Conservation Crew Leaders, Food & Farm Leaders, and a Food & Farm Member position. Remaining Member positions will open after the New Year.
VYCC is located halfway between Burlington Vermont and Montpelier Vermont.
Not for you? Share this with someone you’d recommend VYCC to!
/ Naomi Galimidi
The ability of people and land to bounce back from challenges – resilience – has been a steady theme in 2023. The VYCC community worked through difficulties and completed projects that improve the resilience of land and communities.
Projects increase resiliency.
Projects at Lake Carmi and Joe’s Pond; and in Highgate, Montpelier and Cambridge prepared land along streams and lakes to absorb the increased rainfall expected with climate change. At these sites, Water Quality crews constructed 59 check dams, five fords, two staircases, and two rain gardens. They also planted 3,700 native trees and shrubs which will help capture carbon dioxide as they grow, and whose roots will stabilize loose soil and help to prevent erosion.
Work on the Farm in Richmond continues its long-term effort to improve the health of our soil after years of nutrient depletion. Building healthy soils is a proven strategy to sequester carbon and weather droughts and heavy rains. Food & Farm crews employed crop rotation, cover cropping, chickens on pasture, and reduced tillage systems to build resilience on 12 acres of certified organic fields.
Further, Food & Farm crews made our community health and food systems more resilient by getting fresh, nutritious food to 418 families managing food insecurity and/or diet-related illness. Crews distributed the food they grew to 13 towns including Barre, Berlin, Burlington, Littleton (NH), Montpelier, Northfield, Newport, Plainfield, Richmond, St Johnsbury, South Burlington, Waterbury and Winooski.
Forest Health projects made space for native and more climate-resilient trees to grow, improved habitat for birds and animals, and increased the overall health and resiliency of forests. Crews completed patch cuts, brush management, invasive species removal, and crop tree release in 12 Vermont communities including Dorset, Jeffersonville, Pownal, Providence Island, Putney, Richmond, Rochester, Shoreham, West Haven, Westminster, Wolcott, and Woodstock.
Pro Forest Crew Leader Eva Tillett is an alumnus of two other youth corps. Eva reflects on her season with VYCC: “There was no busy work. Every project made a difference. Every project was intentional.”
Members are taking new skills with them.
In their next endeavors, Members can continue improving water quality, forest health, agricultural soil health, and community access to food.
Eva and her crew (below left) completed Game of Logging levels one through four at the start of their season in April. She adds: “We just learned another new skill in early October: we learned how to use a grip hoist to approach hazard trees. The first one we did, in the training, took four hours. The one we did this week took 10 minutes. I was so proud of the crew for learning this new skill.”
Members’ next steps
As if it wasn’t enough to complete projects and gain skills to do more conservation work going forward, Members and Leaders also moved their career goals forward this year by earning credentials, college credits, and/or AmeriCorps Education Awards.
Eva shares: “I’m leaving VYCC with a lot of certifications, new skills, and a better understanding of how a manager should operate.”
/ Naomi Galimidi
VYCC had a blast hosting 15 inquisitive participants on campus as part of Open Farm Week on August 8th. Vermont news station WCAX joined in and put together a video featuring the East Monitor Barn restoration (check it out below!). Open Farm Week, organized by DigInVT and partners, offers the public the opportunity to go “behind the scenes” on a multitude of Vermont farms. Each farm offers a unique experience—guests can do anything from meeting farmers, to milking a cow, to enjoying wood-fired pizza.
Attendees of our event got an insider’s look at the veggie fields, the West Monitor Barn, and the Farm Barn. They heard from staff about the Health Care Share and food programs and enjoyed a delicious farm fresh lunch of pasta and veggie-ful sauces made by Corps Members. They also donned hard hats and entered the active East Monitor Barn restoration site.
Lead Restorationist Eliot Lothrop chatted with the group while they watched folks prep the ground floor for a concrete pour (a big moment in this phase of the restoration!). Eliot described his path to working on the barn, the history of the site, the amazing progress thus far, and next steps—check out our other blog posts on those topics on the East Monitor Barn site if you haven’t already.
WCAX Feature
In conjunction with the tour, WCAX chatted with VYCC Executive Director Breck Knauft about the scope and the purpose of the East Monitor Barn restoration. To see footage of the barn in the current stage of restoration and hear Breck’s take on the project, click play below! To read the full article and view a separate video about the Health Care Share program, click here.
/ Naomi Galimidi
Thanks to strong community support, and to the dedication of Corps Members willing to work hard to make a difference, projects are getting done.
The weather has not made it easy. We are happy to share that crews have remained safe through heat, poor air quality, and heavy rains. The team at VYCC has moved crews into and out of the field as needed to prioritize health and safety.
Summary of Recent Events: In early July, Vermont experienced significant flooding events. Before the first bout of flooding, we brought all camping crews to safe and high ground at VYCC. While they waited for roads to reopen, Conservation and Farm Crew Members teamed up to harvest all our garlic before it was lost. They also harvested beans, washed cabbage, worked with chickens, and packed Health Care Shares.
Farm crews delivered 390 Health Care Shares on July 13 by creatively routing around multiple road closures.
On July 13 and 14, we celebrated 4 weeks of working and learning together with the land. Some crews departed for a planned break week; others had finished their 4-week session.
On July 18, our Executive Directors – Breck and Leah – reached out to Governor Scott and the Secretaries of several state agencies to outline ways VYCC might be able to help Vermont recover from flooding, both in the short- and long-term. We look forward to getting to work in affected communities as needs align with VYCC crews’ skills.
Farm crews delivered 415 Health Care Shares on July 20. All conservation crews are back in the field completing planned projects.
Conservation Crews have completed several projects that are already improving the health of our waters, forests, and trail networks. Here are a few highlights from the first month of summer crews:
New Bridge in Williston
Multiple improvements to Colchester Pond Loop Trail:
Maintenance on Waterfall Trail in Woodstock:
New Rain Garden (& more) in Highgate & Lake Carmi:
This is really worth checking out. A Water Quality crew completed some amazing erosion control work in Highgate with our partners at the Franklin County Natural Resources Conservation District:
There’s a lot going on in late April around VYCC. Members and Leaders are applying for jobs, solidifying their plans, and spring crews are getting started.
Here’s a glimpse of Farm & Forest work in April, and the people behind it:
Food & Farm
Many hands are waking up the farm. Leaders, staff and volunteers have been busy in the propagation house and market garden (that’s the plot between the two barns). Farm Leaders arrived in late March and have been making huge contributions to the land, and to our VYCC community!
Each Leader has a distinct role. Here are perspectives of four of the twelve 2023 Farm Leaders:
Claire has worked on a number of farms through her school years, from small family farms to wholesale vegetable production. “Lately, I’m passionate about pasture raised livestock, rotational grazing and diversified production. I’ve done a lot of solo farming and I’m curious about the power of what a lot of people can do together. I lived and worked as the only farmhand on a family farm, during COVID, isolated in northern Vermont. I loved it, but I think everything is better with other people. Having someone to help lift heavy things and bounce ideas with.”
Expressing appreciation for the experience of living where you work, Claire offers: “There’s something special about waking up there, drinking the water, eating the food, seeing the weather. It’s more than just driving there every morning – when it’s your home. And the team is more than just your coworkers.”
After spending last season with VYCC’s Food & Farm Program, Quinn worked at a farm in Huntington over the winter. They tended and cleaned storage crops like butternut squash and potatoes, and delivered to local co-ops. “Doing deliveries is interesting, especially after a snowstorm in a box truck.” After learning that winter farming can mean being inside a barn all day every day, Quinn is glad to be back: “I’m happy to be in a different environment.”
Christine will lead a crew of high school aged Members this summer. She participated on a summer Food & Farm Crew two years ago, and came back because “VYCC has a supportive environment. It’s a good place to learn leadership skills. I like that Leaders do the work with the crew, and we will eat together.” In addition to providing guidance to Crew Members, Christine is looking forward to a longer season, starting with learning how to get crops going from seeds in the propagation house: “Seeding is new for me. There’s still so much to learn. VYCC is an endless learning opportunity.”
Dominique grew up in a pizzeria, surrounded by a culture of food with her family – so it’s exciting to welcome her into the role of Food & Nourishment Lead, where Members and Leaders will have a chance to cook with her in the commercial kitchen.
Working for her aunt, a private chef who specializes in farm-to-table and Lebanese food, Dominique rolled so many grape leaves her hands turned green. She also studied environmental science, and says: “The crossover of food systems and sustainability is where I’m most fascinated. I’ve done research with farmers, but haven’t gotten to work on a farm yet. As I figure out how to use my degree, farming is the piece I need experience with. I can’t learn farming from a book. I was drawn to VYCC for hands-on farming experience and making food accessible to the surrounding community. Nutritious food. That element is missing from so many food access programs.”
Also, know that Dominque loves salad. Even as a kid she’d say “you can take away my friends but don’t take away my salad.”
Pro Forest Crew
A few weeks ago, the Pro Forest Crew was out of sight and earshot from the farm. Tucked into the woods uphill from the East Monitor Barn, the crew completed Game of Logging levels 1, 2, and 3.
Three members of the crew previously worked together at another corps running chainsaws. Eva (she/her, Crew Leader) and Mike (he/him, Crew Member) are two of them. Here is how they describe their week with VYCC and Game of Logging:
They told us that in their previous job, they earned a US Forest Service training and certification. The Game of Logging training builds on the skills they came to Vermont with; and “by class three, I was totally set. It was all coming together.”
“The instructor, Kyle, was so experienced. Not only were we learning textbook stuff, but getting career advice that he picked up over time. When we were felling trees, Kyle was really close. He had so much confidence in us. It helped us when we were learning to drop hazard and difficult trees.”
“We were scored the whole time, and the two crew members new to sawing came out on top!”
Mike’s favorite moment of the training: “I felled the biggest tree I’ve felled in my life. It felt amazing. It reminded me why I decided to come up here. I loved it. It’s so exhilarating.”
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/ Jeremy.Gerber@vycc.org
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/ Naomi Galimidi
VYCC is designed for growth. Corps Members can complete multiple seasons to build skills toward careers, accumulate AmeriCorps Education Awards and college credit, and earn industry-recognized credentials.
We are excited to highlight a few of the folks who are returning in 2023:
Whether someone returns after a only few months away like Quinn, or circles back after several years like Bo, VYCC loves to welcome Corps Members back.
Want to see more inspiring people? Check out VYCC’s 2022 Gratitude Report, capturing the year’s highlights: Gratitude Report
/ Naomi Galimidi
This year, VYCC Crew Leaders can earn up to 12 college credits at no cost, while also earning wages for their work.
The Crew Leader is a paid, seasonal position for young adults (ages 20+). While applicants must arrive with certain qualifications, Leaders also complete a paid training program.
VYCC’s Leader training, delivered by our professional staff, covers six comprehensive courses recognized by the Community College of Vermont. The team will deliver 94 workshops this year across five training periods. Training combined with field experience across the season results in up to 12 CCV credits for each Leader, which is equal to one semester.
More Options for the Future
Nathan Treadway is a 2022 Leader with VYCC’s Food & Farm Program. After graduating from Burlington High School, he completed five semesters at the University of Vermont.
“I needed to work full time,” explains Nathan. “I was also starting to reconsider my double major in History and Classics. The careers I could go into didn’t seem immediately attainable. I’d end up with a ton of debt. I decided to pause school and work full time for a while. I happily ended up at VYCC. We were in the farmyard when we learned about the credit. It was a cherry-on-top kind of moment.”
The cost for prior learning assessments is currently covered by the All Learning Counts Grant, awarded by the Lumina Foundation to NEBHE, in partnership with NEBHE and CCV.
Because CCV is part of the Vermont State College System, these credits are fully transferable to any Vermont State College. Other transfers are considered on a case-by-case basis by the receiving school.
Earning Aid Toward Tuition
VYCC has employed 37 people this year who, as Crew Leaders, are eligible for college credit. In addition to credit and credentials, all Leaders earn wages. Some Leader positions are AmeriCorps positions which, upon successful completion of their term of service, awards Leaders a Segal Education Award that they can put toward past or future education expenses.
Nathan, front, and the youth crew he led this summer, had a lot to celebrate: growing food for their community, learning to cook, earning wages and building skills.
2022 Leader Ash McGrann was the first Crew Leader to take advantage of this benefit and shared her perspective with Seven Days.
